Control fitting



J. R. HOLICER CONTROL FITTING July 25, 1950 Filed Aug. 20, 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEY INVENTOR.

'-'- HOLICER CQNTROL FITTING a Sheet s 2 Filed Aug. 20, 1945 VENToR, John. Hoficer Arrow y 25, 1950 J. R. HOLICER 2,516,387

CONTROL FITTING Filed Aug. 20, 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. John R. Holzcer ATTORNEY Patented July 25, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT CONTROL FITTING. i I John R. Holicer, Shreveport, La. Application August 20, 1945, SerialNo. 611,519, H l

' This invention has to do with valve appa ratus for controlling and handling inflammable fluids, such as derivatives of petroleum, acetylene and the like. l

' The device consists of a single control fitting, leakproof and of compact and unitary design, to be removably carried'by any tank or vessel which may be found suitable for use in transporting, storing and dispensing inflammable fluids, and particularly liquefied petroleum gases. Such gases attain a liquid statewhen placed under pressure and/or reduced in temperature. For instance, normal butane liquid has a boiling point of 329 Fahrenheit, and propane liquid boilsat 481 F. below zero; and ethane reaches thispoint at 127.'7' F. Therefore, these gases exert relatively high pressures on the vessels containing them at average atmospheric temperature. When the temperature is 100 F., propane has an absolute pressure of 187 pounds persquare inch, and butane then exerts a pressure of 52.2 pounds persquare inch. 7 v v These gases are heavier than air, propane being approximately one and one-half times heavier and butane being approximately two times heavier; and when such gases are released in volume they sink into low places in the terrain and into the basements of houses to form violently exposive and inflammable pools of gas.

Because they have such physical character istics and properties such gases demand the use of safety measures of highly dependable char acter. Once these dangerous fuels leave the keeping .of refiners and transporters, who are experts in handling them, they are usually lodged on the premises of laymen who have no knowledge of their inherent properties and who are unskilled in handling such dangerous fluids. To prevent disaster to such people it is highly desirable that contro1 fittings for liquefied petroleum gas be made very safe. They should be dependable to the greatest degree reasonably pos sible, especially taking into consideration the probable carelessness and lack of knowledge on the part of untrained users of such fuel; Where a householder is provided witha storage tank charged with LP gas, the tank must beprovided with control valve means to open and close the conduit which carries fuel from the storage tank; and such control device should be designed to prevent leaks and the escape of fuel in ordinary use, and-also under unusual conditions and especially when the conduit or fittings-beyond thercontrol valve have suffered accidental damage'or breakage.

5 Claims. (01. 277 55) Because of these needs this 'fituhg *h s been created with the primary object of promoting safety above all things. To prevent and mini-f mize dangerous leaks thevalvc body or. casing has beenniadein onepiece of materialin which the removable and operable elements have been so integrated as to prevent leaks. 'f I' This single fitting been made to provide a positive and leakproof sealing efiect when the main shut off valve is closed, and. ithas been constructed to positively, preventand seal against any leaks through the bonnet and around the valve stem when this valveisopen/ Likewise, the device has been made toiaiford' and allow the release of any dangerously exces; sive 'pre'ssure from within the fitting fitself. I The fitting has also been made to control and cause the cessation of excess flow of fluid through the opened valve body-should the, conduitleading from an mone-ea:- Theexcess ilowcontrol cooperates with both. the pressure control" and the. shutoff valve. 1 The maximum volume de; liverable by theshut oiffvalvje will cause the e cessfi'ow control toop erate and'close" the inlet f o ta k o va ody; 1 How m mum volume: deliverable by: the prssjuref relief control will"not act to operate the excess flow control. Thesethree valve controls have a. pa;

ancedandinter-dependent relation. Therefore, the specific objects to be attain'ed by this device include the followingi 1 m) high degree of safety in valve mechanism for controlling the "delivery of inflammable fluids. (b) An integral and seamless valve-bodycas-i in -tominim zeleaks; (c), The, freejande'a valve head. I

.(d) Means. providgdflo transmit pressure of the descending valve stein directly to "the resilient di'sc 'whichclosesand seals the,valve seat. j (e) Means to seal'the 'upperjsme ofthe m ablej valve head assemblywhen .it comes .in contact with the undensurface of thev valvebonnet during the time that the main valve is ide open, thus to prevent leaks fromQar undQthe .yalve stem and bonnet by; providing auxiliaryseal 1g means belo w the bonnetand aroundgthe stem .1, (j) A close, fitting ground l'jointf of. semi; Sph a e i with u e uz ar 0f the movable valve head assembly to l prevent leaks thereabove and, around the valvewstem.

(g) An automatically self-closing excess flowi check valve arranged within the base t of; wthe main; valve: cas gs-so.iasatoabezdisposed. within a) aerate i e jma'iji changes may be made in the construction of these discloures without in any manner depart.- ing from the spirit and objects ofthis invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. I shows a side elevation or a (Sontrol flt-' Shows. a sectidnalized elevation of the x'sfs flow cheek. vaiv'e assembly to, be carried iiiiiiet ase of the body. 1 y

v IV shows a sectiofialiid elevation of the usual complement or. removable parts carried in his upper end or; the body;

V shows. an. elevation of a modified contrbl fitting i time-1a section of the, body wall Been. cut away to. disclose the relief mechaifi section.

QE1 VI shows a form. of the main. shut off valve adapted to the. construction of. valves of. the sl h n i.

I the rawings the various parts of this device are iii ted, by numerals; aiid numeral I. indidtes a typical valii bodycr cas ng. which preferably made. of. on piece or material. without seams. or joints, such a is more clearly sit. in, Fig. minimizes. the chances {or leaks. The body is provided with an. outlt. branch. 2,. ihjr; en which fluid may be discharged wheneyei' the. main valve is open. This brsiiei is not may rovided with internal threads. but, till? innermost. part thereof m ed into. a concavity 2.0.. into which the rounded had of a ompression connection of a cond ittlng tube (not shown). may be fitted, iiid. tightly held in close compression against the rounded, Wall of the branch so as to. absolutely seal against fluid. leaks.

Th a e 3, (if the b y 'a IOfii i x ns'io i which can be arran ed to d pend. into a, tank or container with which this fitting is used. With in this; base there. is. provided threaded inlet 4 which will communicate with the. tank. Above thisinlet. cylindr cal, chamber arranged to provide a housing for an excess flow check valve assembly, collectively indicated as 6..

ck valve scinbly clud s valve spring 1 which may. be. fitted. into an annular. groove in the uppermost, part of chamber 5 and which extends downwardly to cooperate with valve th'imbl'e 8 in. which annular recess 9 is provided to receive the spring. Thisthimble has a net top. and is made sufdci'ently small in diameter; to allowpassageway; between the okternal wane (if the thimble and the internal walls or chamber 5. This may be very conveni'fitli ai'i'cornplishe'd by giving a hexagonal conuser to the-thimble so that each; of its net sides t'v'illprovide passage space or praeeieiiniaee area, just sumcieiii to adinit the new era aredetermmec quantum or fluid.

There iS- an opencylindrical "s ace It) al in thbbttom bf" ththimble from which ports ll lead outwardly through the thimble wall. These ports are so spaced and located as to pass through the flat and narrow sections of the thimble wall. They are of calculated and predetermined area so as to properly accommodate the normal flow of fluid required to pass upwardly around the thimble without causing it to move from its normal resting place on the threaded retaining plug [2 which is carried in inlet 4 to support the thiiribl.

A slot (3- is made the exposed end of the plug to accommodate a wrench or screw driver for inserting and removing the plug; and there is a passageway I4 arranged through the plug to communicate with space In in the thimble.

Passageway l4 will allow the flow of a much greater quantity of fluid than can be passed through ports H, 50 that when fluid flows upwardly through this passageway with a certain excess of volume and velocity greater than the portsv will accommodate, then the thimble is lifted up in chamber 5 so that its upper face comes to rest firmly against valve seat i5 which is constructed in the upper part of the chamber to'co-act with the thimble to form. an excess. flow check valve; The closure of this valve preclu'des the discharge of any fluid whatsoever through intake channel l6 arranged within the valve body I. This channel is so constructed that it allows the passage of fluid upwardly and into the mainvalve chamber l1, within the. body 1, whenever thimble 8 is in a normal position at the bottom of chamber 5.

A valveseat I8 is arranged in the lower end of valve chamber H to provide the seat for the main, shut off valve carried by that chamber. A conduit I9isarranged within branch 2 to communicate with chamber 11 and with the concave enlargement 20,, so that fluid may freely flow from the tank, through the excess flow check valvaupwardly along channel It, into chamber l1 and out of branch 2, from which branch a conduit will carry the fluid; to some distant place Where itis used. The last named conduit will be firmly fixed and held in place by a compression nut (notv shown); and to accommodate this nut internal threads 21 are provided; in branch 2. However, it is obvious that flanges and bolts. may be provided, instead of threads, to firmly forcethis compressionnut down into branch. 2, or any other suitable means of connection may be employed.

In order to fix the main body l of the device into a tank containing fluid. to be valved and controlled, there may be arranged threads. 22 externally of .the lower part of the body. These may fit into a threaded o-pening inv the tank, or flanges and bolts, or other means, may be employed to make this connection. Such connec tion, however, must be made very tight and leakproof toprevent the escape of explosive and irrflammable gases. V I I The upper end of body I.- is provided with in-- ternal threads 23 to receive threaded valve bonnet 24, through which: valve stem 25 is arranged to pass so that itmaybe carried by the bonnet on threads 26 arranged within the, lower part. of the bonnet.

Companion threads 46 are arranged on the outside of the lower end of the valve stem to coact with threads 26 to cause the, movement. or the stem along the bonnet. when the valve. stem is rotated.

The valve st'eminay be provided with. a squared or deformed end 21 to fit into opening 28. in handsamass? 5. wheel 29, which wheel is arranged'to rotatethe stem. A handle or other means may be provided to efiect'this rotation. Internal threads 3|] are provided in the upper end of the stem to receive set screw 3|, which is used in connection with Washer 32 to hold therotating means in place.

A packing gland nut, 33 is provided with an opening 34 therethrough to allow the passage of the valve stem, and this opening also acts as a guide for the stem. This opening ends in an enlargement having an annular beveled edge 35 which is seated firmly into packing material 36 carried within the bonnet, so that this packing material is compressed and held firmly against the valve stem to prevent leaks therearound whenever the gland nut is forced downwardly into the bonnet. External threads 31 are carried on the member 33 to make connection with internal threads 38 within the bonnet, which, in turn, is provided with external threads 39 to cooperate With the threads 23 in the body.

On the bottom of the bonnet 24 there is provided an annular recess 4||which will surround the valve stem. Annular projection 4| is arranged on the upper end of movable valve head 42, so that when the valve stem is withdrawn, to the fullestextent possible, projection 4| and recess 40 co-act to form a tight sealing auxiliary valve to prevent leaks around the valve stem.

Obviously this arrangement may be reversed and function in exactly the same way by arranging the annular recess on the upper face of the movable valve head and arranging the annular projection on the lower face of the bonnet. In any event a tight auxiliary valve is provided which is of considerable importance as a safety device to preclude and prevent leaks, such as frequently occur around the valve stem in an ordinary valve not provided with this safety feature.

Further sealing means to prevent leaks around the valve stem is provided through the arrangement of the rounded enlargement 41 on the lower end of the valve stem andv the arrangement of a co-acting concave recess 48 in the upper end of valve head 42. The concavity is constructed on such radius as to provide tight frictional engagement with member 41 when the valve stem is retracted. The contacting members may be ground and finished to such an exact fit as to provide and effect another sealing valve which can be kept tightly closed to prevent the passage of any fluid around the valve stem whenever the main valve in the body is open. This is a safety measure of considerable importance.

Furthermore, no leakage may occur around the outside of bonnet 24 because of the provision of gasket ring 240,, which is compressed into a shouldered recess arranged in the very uppermost part of fitting body or a ground and polished joint may be substituted for the gasket arrangement.

Internal threads 43 .are provided within valve head 42 to receive threads 44 arranged externally about valve head nut 45. When the nut is fitted into the head then member 41 is entirely encased in such manner that the head 42 is carried on the end of valve stem '45, and the head moves with the stem whenever the latter is rotated. The valve head cannot get loose from the valve stem.

Valve plug 49 is provided with concavity 50 to receive and articulate with member 41; and the lower. end of this plug passes into opening 52 in thetop of member 45. This opening is beveled and of smaller diameter at its lower end to receive and retain packing disc 5|. This disc is roughly of the shape of the frustrum of a cone, inverted; and such arrangement prevents the packing disc from falling out or being forced out ofmember 45; and it will always be retained therein. I

Such construction also allows a very important function: The plug 49 will receive all of the compressing force of the valve stem when the latter; is rotated downwardly, and this force is transmitted directly to disc 5|, the lower face of which rests on valve seat |8. Thus, it will be seen that a firm and final rotation of the valve stemin downward direction will keep disc 5| tightly and firmly compressed against seat l8 to form and provide the most effective type of leakproof valve closure. This is a factor of great importance and advantage in handling liquefied petroleum gas fuels, because they are dangerous.

The valve control assembly described immediately hereinabove presents obvious safety features and advantages. However, the device is made more safe and effective when there is provided therein a pressure relief valve having cooperative relation with excess flow valve 6 and fluid discharge branch 2. i r

The details of such relief valve are shown in Fig. V, wherein 53 is a hollow branch of body constructed to communicate with channel l6 through the provision of cross channel 53a, which is fashioned at its outward end to form valve seat 51.

Valve head54 is movable within the hollow branch 53; and it is provided with perforations 55, of a very definite and calculated total area, as related to the total area of the ports H in thimble 8 of the excess flow check valve and the area of the passageway around this thiinble. Ports 55 remain always open to the atmosphere but they receive no fluid from the tank in which this fitting is carried until the relief valve carried in branch 53 is opened. They are calculated, designed and built to discharge a smaller volume of fiuid than is required to cause excess fiow check valve 6 to close; and this is a matter of importance, in that this relief valve may open and discharge a volume of fiuid of pre-deter-- mined quantity without causing the excess flow valve to close.

Valve head 54 carries: within a recess on its inner face resilient valve disc 56; and this disc remains seated on valve seat 57 to keep the relief valve normally closed by the pressure and operation of valve spring 58. The relief valve is kept inbranch 53 by the use of retaining plug 59 which is fashioned to form a housing for one end of the'spring and which is provided with a plurality of outlets 60 to permit the escape to the atmosphere .of fiuid passing through the valve. 5

Not only will the relief valve pass a smaller volume of fiuid'than normally passes through the excess flow check valve without causing the closing of the latter, but this fact is further insured by having cross channel 53a of smaller diameter thanis channel I6; and the latter is of smaller diameter than the passageway M in thebottorn of thefitting; a

The balanced and reciprocal relation between these valves and apertures insures a normal pressure, within -pre-determined limits, inside the body ,ofithe, fitting while-it is normally functicna ing for the delivery of fluid fuel. However, should. the conduit leading away from branch 2 be broken or damaged sufficiently to allow the undesirable discharge of an abnormal amount of explosive fluid to the atmosphere, then the single inlet from the tank to the fitting is automatically and completely closed, so that even the relief valve is closed. No fluid then will pass through the fitting body; and this body will remain closed against the tank by reason of a constant pressure within the tank sufllcient to effect and maintain this closure. Then no leak whatever is possible.

While the preferred form of this controlling device is outlined in the construction details hereinabove given, there is an alternate form shown in Fig. VI to reveal a modified construction in which the essential elements of the main shut 01f valve are installed in a valve body 6!,

presenting the appearance of a globe valve in which the inlet and outlet branches are oppositely disposed. The modification in Fig. VI will employ no relief valve as a part of the function of the device; nor does it have an excess flow check valve.

In Fig. VI the numerals 62 indicate the outlet branch of body Bl, communicating with outlet chamber 63 in the base of the body. Inlet branch 64 communicates with inlet chamber 65, ar ranged in the upper part of the valve body to provide a housing for the valve. The branch 66 is arranged to carry the valve bonnet, and associated mechanism comprising the movable parts of the valve assembly.

Each of the three branches of this body may be threaded to receive connections. As shown at 67 such threads are made in the bonnet branch. As shown at H threads are provided in the outlet branch; and as shown at 12 threads are provided in the inlet branch. However, these various threads may be dispensed with, and these various branches may be provided with a flange and bolts. Any suitable form of connection may be employed. Collars 68 and E9 on branches 64 and 62, respectively, may be provided with shoulders or flat faces thereon to accommodate tools for making up the joints.

In the very top of the bonnet branch 66 there is provided an annular recess to receive ring gasket which will seal the bonnet and prevent it from leaking. When the bonnet M is screwed down in place, it compresses this gasket. Valve stem is carried by internal threads 1'6 arranged within the bonnet to co-act with threads 95 on the lower end of the stem; and the stem has a squared end I! about which may be fitted the handwheel 19 for rotating the stem. A threaded hole 80 may be provided within the free end of the valve stem to be used in aflixing any suitable rotating means to the stem; and the set screw 8'! and washer 82 will attach and hold in place such means.

Packing gland nut 83, having an opening 84 therethrough to receive the valve stem, is provided with a beveled face 85 on its lower end to effect a seat in the packing material86 which is carried within the bonnet. When this packing material is compressed tightly against the valve stem, and held thereby the packing gland nut, there can be no leaks through the bonnet around the stem.

External threads 81 on member 83 are arranged to connect with internal threads 88 in the upper part of the bonnet; and external threads 88 on the bonnet are arranged to engage internal threads 61 within branch 66.

There is an annular: recess 90 formed within the lower face of bonnet l4 and arranged to receive annular-projection 9! provided on the upper face of the movable Valve head 92, to form auxil iary sealing means which operates to prevent the escape of fluid around the valve stem when the valve is fully opened. This eflicient and auxiliary sealing means is of considerable importance in constructing safe valve control apparatus in that it prevents the very undesirable escape of inflammable fluids.

Within the valve head there are provided internal threads 93 to engage the external threads 94 on the valve head nut 95.

The lower end of the valve stem has a rounded head 97 which is fitted into a concave recess 98 in the valve head in such manner that the rounded end may not be withdrawn through this recess, and it is further so constructed and disposed that the surface contacts between the mem hers Bl and 98 may be made very tight when the valve is fully opened, thus to further prevent leaks.

Valve plug 99 is housed and slidably retained within the head; and it is provided with a concave recess 108 on its upper face to receive the lower end of member 91. Packing disc 18] is securely carried in conical opening W2 provided through the lower face of the plug. This disc engages valve seat H13 which is arranged in the partition wall H34, dividing chambers 63 and 65. This partition has an opening I05 therethrough, around which the valve seat is disposed, When the disc is firmly pressed against this seat, the chambers are seal'edoff from one another, and the valve is closed against the flow of any fluid therethrough.

Through the employment of construction detailed immediately above, the valve disc can be compressed tightly against the valve seat by rotating the valve stem. The pressure of this stem, when it is forced downward to its lowest position, is transmitted directly to the valve plug, which in turn keeps the disc under compression.

The'valve head, nut, plug and disc form a compact assembly carried by the valve stem in engagement with member 91 in such manner that the assembly cannot get loose from the valve stem, yet it is freely responsive to the movement thereof. When the assembly is moved downwardly into a position to close the valve, its attachment to the valve stem is sufficiently loose to allow the free and easy setting of the disc on the valve seat. This disc cannot come to rest upon the seat in an unleveled or strained position. The entire under-surface of the disc which contacts the seat receives firm and equal pressure from the valve stem; so that the valve is closed with an effective and uniform engagement all around the seat. This prevents a weak contact or incomplete engagement at any one point on the valve seat. This valve closes firmly, uniformly and in leakproof fashion.

The fitting hereinabove described provides a very safe and dependable device for controlling the flow of ir-iflamn1ableand explosive fluids, such as the liquefied petroleum gases.

Unusually effective sealing means have been provided around the valve stem so as to positively prevent. leakage. Such means include well placed and effectively compressed packing material around the stem and a well ground and polished ball-and-socket joint between the valve 9 stem and the valve head, which arrangement is effective against leaks when the'valve is opened wide.

In addition there is "provided 'a still moreimportant auxiliary sealing arrangement disposed about the valve stem through a construction which employs an annular recess and an annular projection oppositely disposed on the-com tact faces of the valve bonnet and the valve head. This arrangement works to completely seal the valve stem against any leaks therearound when the main valve is opened to its fullest extent. Such position is the normal position of this valve most of the time when it isused in the control of the flow of such fuels asfbutane, and the like, between a storage tank and the place where fuel is utilized or conditioned.

It is just as important to have the main control valvetightly sealed against leakage when the valve is open as when the valve is closed. No valve heretofore known has been so effective in providing safety sealing measures.

Emphasis has been placed upon the sealing against leaks around the valve stem, because this stem must move, from time to time, through its housing and easing. There is no danger of leakage around the valve bonnet, once it is firmly ut in place, because of the provision of gasket ring 10. It is to be remembered that this bonnet is very rarely removed,and'the gasket is easily replaceable.

To prevent undue pressure of fiuid seeking escape around the-valve stem and around the bonnet, and so that such pressure will never become abnormally high, and with the purpose of further reducing the possibility of leakage (already rendered highly improbable because of the sealing means arranged about the valve stem and the means provided to prevent leaks about the bonnet) a small relief valve has been built directly into the body'of the control fitting so that it communicates'with the main channel in the fitting through which fiuid is conducted from the inlet base of the fitting, disposed within the tank, and the outlet branch of the fitting, supplying a conduit whichcarries the fluid away.

This relief valve is made with a predetermined capacity, considering both volume and pressure, and such capacity has direct functional relation with the normal flowof fluid through the fitting, volume and pressure considered. This relief valve is related in operation to the excess flow check valve, carriedin the base of the fitting. The check valve allows only a normal flow of fluid therethrough, without closing- 'During'this nor mal fiow the pressure may become high within the fitting. yet not suflicientlyhigh to cause the closure of the check valve. Unless an excess flow of fluid seeks passageway through the relief valve, or because of a. major leak or breakage in the conduit leadin'g' from the delivery branch of the fitting, there will be no closureof the check valve. This simply means that the relief valve may be caused to-operate; and open and relieve pressure while the check valveremains 'opens;

leak badly, or be broken ofl entirely, then the volume of out-rushing fiuid will become enough to cause the instantaneous closure of the check valve; and this valve will continue closed until the leak is repaired. Meanwhile no fluid is dis charged from the broken line. This is sobecaus'e the pressure in the tank is always suff cient, and the intake opening below the check valve is always large enough, to cause the closure of this valve whenever there is a break in the conduit leading from the discharge branch of the fitting. This means that at no time, under normal or abnormal operating conditions, will there be sufficient pressure within the fitting to cause it to leak. Immediately after the closure of the check valve, following an accidental breakage of the delivery conduit, there will be only normal'at mosphericpressure within the fitting; Therefore, under no conditions will this fitting leak. Pressure is never really high within the fitting.

The fitting is very simply placed and carried in the fuel storage tank by having it firmly and securely attached through the wall of the tank, so that the baseof the fitting is at all times within the tank. When in this position, the discharge branch of the fitting is about" the tank, and so is the relief valve. Also the valve bonnet andmeans for rotating the main valve stemare handily disposed outside the tank, for manual operation. The main shut off valve is either kept entirely closed (when fuel is not being de-' livered) or entirely open (when fuel is being .delivered). The rotation of the valve stem is the only manual operation that can be carried on in connection with this fitting. The operations of the check valve and of the pressure relief valve are entirely automatic. Through structure carrying out the objects and purposes of this invention, as .firstwhereinabove disclosed and as appears through the specification, a control fitting for the delivery of liquefied petroleum gas is provided which af fords maximum safety for the handling of such fluid. Even persons untrained in the handling of volatile and explosive fuel can safely initiate the delivery of such fuel by simply turning "a handwheel, in one direction as far as it will go; and during such delivery they may enjoy completesafety and freedom from danger. Likewise, the reverse of the operation will cut off the flow in such way that the operator is completely protected; and such safety is accomplished through the use of a single fittingcapable of only one manual operation (which may be reversed). Further operations of the fitting affording additional safety are so entirely autoerable within the chamber as to control t m w.

of fiuid through said chamber and so arranged that its operating mechanism is carriedby-o'ne such branch; an outlet so providedin another such branch as to allow the discharge of fluid from the chamber when the valveis open; apes-'- age within another such brancharranged forthef inlet of fluid to the valve body, and said passag'e bein provided with an enlargementat .its i' nlet end; a check valve carried in said enlargement; a pressure relief valve constructed within the remaining branch of the body; said check valve being so arranged and operable that upon its closure the flow of fluid will be prevented to every other valve in the apparatus including the relief valve; and a conduit leading from the lastnamed branch to the passage and being so constructedthat the area thereof is such as to allow the escape of fluid in volume and rate of flow substantially less than that required to close the check valve, so that the relief valve may operate to lessen pressure within the body without causing'the closure of the check valve.

2. In valve apparatus, a hollow valve body provided with four integrally constructed hollow branches, each communicating with a common chamber within the body; a shutoff valve so operable within the chamber as to control the flow of fluid through said chamber and so arranged that its operating mechanism is carried by one such branch; an outlet so provided in another such branch as to allow the discharge of fluid from-the chamber when the valve is open; a passage within another such branch arranged for the inlet of fluid to the valve body, and said passage being provided with an enlargement at its inlet end; a check valve carried in said enlargement, said valve having a movable thimble provided with apertures so constructed as to allow a predetermined volume of fluid to normally pass therethrough without moving the thimble to closed position; a pressure relief valve constructed within the remaining branch of the body and being so arranged that the maximum volume and rate of flow of fluid dischargeable therefrom is less than the volume and rate of flow of fluid normally passing through said check valve, so that the relief valve may operate to lessen pressure within the body without causing the closure of the check valve; said check valve being so arranged and operable that upon its closure the flow of fluidwill be prevented to every other valve in the apparatus, including the relief valve; and a conduit leading from the passage to the lastnamed bran'chl .3. In valve apparatus, a hollow valve body provided with four integrally constructed hollow branches, each communicating with a common chamber within the body; a shutoff valve so operable-within the chamber as to control the flow of fluid through said chamber and so arranged thatitsoperating mechanism is carried by one such branch; an outlet so provided in another such-branch as to allow the discharge of fluid from the chamber when the valve is open; a passage within another such branch arranged for the inlet of fluid to the valve body, and said passage being provided withan enlargement at its inlet end;. a check valve of predetermined capacity carried-in said enlargement, said valve being provided with spring means to regulate thepressure 'at which it will operate; a pressure relief valve constructed within the remaining branch of. the'body; a conduit-leadingfrom the-passage to the last=named branch; the relief valve being so constructed that pressure sumcient to open it is substantially less than ,that required to close the check .valve,.so thatthe relief valve may op-v erateto lessen pressure within the body without causing. the closure of: the: check valve; and the check-valve being so arranged and operable that uponzits "closure the flow of fluid will be prevented to every other valve in the apparatus, including the relief valve.-

4. In valve apparatus, a hollow valve body provided with four hollow branches and having a chamber with which each of said branches communicates; a shutofi valve seat provided in said chamber; valve operating mechanism carried by one such branch, including a valve stem having a spherical terminal within the chamber, and includin a valve head provided with a concavity so constructed as to seal against passage of fluid around the valve stem when the terminal is drawn into the concavity in opening the valve, and including a resilient valve disc of frustum shape coacting with the said valve seat and so arranged asto receive the compressive force of the valve stem when the latter is lowered to close the valve; an outlet so arranged in one such branch as to allow the discharge of fluid from the chamber when the aforesaid valve is open; a passage within another such branch arranged for the inlet of fluid to the body; a pressure relief valve arranged within another such branch of the body; a conduit leading from the passage to the last-named branch and being so constructed as to allow the discharge of fluid in volume and the rate of flow substantially less than that which may be accommodated by the said passage, so that fluid may be discharged by the relief valve Without causing the cessation of flow through the shutoiI valve; and a check valve so arranged in the inlet branch as to close such branch against the introduction of any fluid to the apparatus whenever the discharge branch is broken.

5. In apparatus for the control of liquefied petroleum gas, a hollow bodied fitting having an intake passage, a discharge passage, and a relief passage, the latter being so arranged as to be intermediate the-outer ends of the intake and discharge passages and so constructed as to communicate with the intake passage through a conduit'having a cross-sectional area substantially less than that of the intake passage, so'that the rate of flow through such conduit is substantially lessthan the rate of flow through the intake passage; a manually operated shut-off valve so arranged with respect to the discharge passage as to control the flow of fluid therefrom; a check valve so arranged with respect to the intake passage asto normally allow the flow therethrough of a predetermined volume of fluid without causing the closure of the valve, and the valve being closable by the attempted flow therethrough of fluid at a rate of flow exceeding the predetermined normal therefor, and being so operable as to prevent the introduction of fluid into the fitting when the check valve is closed; and a relief valve mounted in the relief passage and being so operable as to relieve excess pressure from the hollow bodied fitting without causing the closure of the check valve or the cessation of flow through the shut-off valve.

' JOHN R. HOLICER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,411,904 Bloch Apr. 4, 1922 1,558,789 Carrey Oct. 2'7, 1925 2,088,509 Fitzgerald July 2'7, 1937 ,489 Benz Sept. 25, 1945 

